15 Things you MUST check out in Florida: expanding beyond your holiday home

Whether you’re staying in vacation home, a rental home, or a holiday villa there are plenty of things to do outside your residence in sunny Florida.

1. Kennedy Space Center
This NASA hub launched the Apollo missions and every NASA human space flight since 1972. At the Center, there are a variety of exhibits, displays, educational material and activities for visitors. The center attracts well over a million visitors each year.

2. Legoland Florida
The largest Legoland Park in the world has more than 50 rides, restaurants, shows, and attractions on 150 acres. Perfect for families with young children, the park’s close proximity to Orlando make it an easy commute for vacationers and holiday home renters. Look our for a park expansion in 2015.

3. The Florida Mall
This is the largest mall in Florida, receiving over 20 million visitors from around the world. There are over 250 stores and restaurants sitting on 1.8 million square feet. The Mall is near downtown Orlando and Walt Disney World.

4. Walt Disney World
There are several parks to choose from, like Epcot and the Magic Kingdom as well as two water parks. Enjoy a wide variety of attractions, entertainment, fine dining, events and tours. There is so much to experience at Walt Disney World, you’ll never want to leave your Orlando vacation.

5. Key West
Visit the southern most point of the continental United States. Key West. The island offers eco-tours, snorkeling & diving, golfing, shopping, museums, parks, and beaches. You can enter popular tourist destinations: the homes of authors Earnest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams

6. The Everglades
According to the National Park Service, the Everglades National Park “protects and unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species.” Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, canoeing, biking, and camping. There are also ranger, tram, and boat tours.

7. The Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway is a 127.5 mile highway continuing U.S. Highway 1 to the Florida Keys. The highway allows travelers access to the largest area of tropical reefs on the United States mainland. Drivers can pass over the famous Seven-mile Bridge, featured in 2 Fast 2 Furious and Mission Impossible III.

8. South Beach
South Beach or SoBe is a major entertainment destination in Florida. There are hundreds of bars, nightclubs, boutiques, and hotels that cater to tourists from all over the world. Many people have second or vacation homes in South Beach, where they enjoy sunny, warm days even in winter.

9. Daytona International Speedway
The Daytona 500, the 500-mile long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is held at the DIS every year. The Daytona 500 is regarded as the most important NASCAR race and offers the biggest cash prizes for winners. Several other races take place during the year.

10. Busch Gardens
Vacationers can visit the Busch Gardens in Williamsburg or Tampa. Visitors of the parks can enjoy rides and walking through 335 acres, housing 2700 animals.

11. Dry Tortugas
This national park is located at the end of the Florida Keys. Visitors get to enjoy crystal blue waters, coral reefs, a vast assortment of marine and bird life on 100 square miles. The seven island park is accessible by boat or seaplane. There is also a 19th century fort that is open to tourists.

13. Universal Orlando
This theme park has many attractions, rides, and events. It is also home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

14. Aquatica by SeaWorld
Aquatica by SeaWorld has three locations in Florida where visitors can spend the day on water rides and enjoying marine animal exhibits.

15. Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove offers dolphin swims. Snorkeling with marine animals and relaxing pristine beaches. The Dolphin Swim Day Resort Package also allows unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica for 14 days around the day of your reservation.

As a Reservations Manager, I've grown to love the experience of making your vacation become the best vacation in your new home away from home! It's been a pleasure working to make your vacation a great one whether it being a short break or family getaway, I strive to make your experience not only a great one but the best one!